REVIEW: Vantafrost - "Dispossessed" [EP]

By: Mark Ambrose

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 31/10/2017

Label: Independent

New Jersey’s Vantafrost is an old school black metal quartet, riding a fine line between first wave primalism and second wave speed crust.  Time will tell whether they reach the insane heights of Celtic Frost or Darkthrone, but on their debut they manage to meld their ancestor worship with some genuine originality, and blast out some killer metal along the way.

“Dispossessed” CD//DD track listing

1. Nazgul

2. Dark Hammer

3. Demon’s Breath

4. Lead Pumper

The Review:

               

In the States, black metal continues to entrance newcomers and seasoned metal heads alike, especially in various hybrid forms and blackened amalgamations.  A lot of this stuff is really interesting and challenging, and occasionally, it actually rips.  New Jersey’s Vantafrost is an old school black metal quartet, riding a fine line between first wave primalism and second wave speed crust.  On their debut EP, “Dispossessed”, they eschew too much experimentalism and instead offer a lo-fi homage that occasionally betrays compelling musical influences (beyond their beloved Tom Warrior).

               

Few topics are as ripe for black metal adaptation as J.R.R. Tolkien’s blighted denizens of Mordor.  Whether orcs, trolls, or the dark lord himself, the demonic entities of Lord of the Rings are practically embedded in the DNA of black metal.  Vantafrost’s “Nazgul”is a thoroughly menacing, literal retelling of the story of the ringwraiths, propelled by crusty drumming, Hellhammer-reminiscent riffs, and subtle guitar harmonies.  Sun King’s strange cadence, sometimes reminiscent of Attila Csihar, clutters and spreads over the verses – a weird enjambment of syllables that is memorable, if an acquired flavor it takes several listens to fully absorb.

               

“Dark Hammer” has some solid first wave riffing, occasionally stuttering over idiosyncratic rhythms, but coalesces around a switch to 6/8 time and a solid outro.  “Demon’s Breath” is practically a hardcore number, with a particularly smashing bass tone.  There is an insane, warped effect on the vocal that can be unpleasantly or pleasantly disorienting – you may find yourself wondering if you’re on the verge of an aneurysm.  Closer “Lead Pumper”, however, is a righteous finale, soaring on some brutally catchy progressions and snarling vocals.  Another pop culture homage (this time to the classic demonic first person shooter DOOM), “Lead Pumper”manages to slip some personal anguish into an ass kicking track, lending some emotional heft that should be explored more on their next release.

               

Vantafrost isn’t reinventing the wheel, but they manage to infuse some life into the skeleton conjured by Hellhammer and their lo fi cohort.  Like the Swiss pioneers, their EP is a warts and all affair.  Time will tell whether they reach the insane heights of Celtic Frostor Darkthrone, but on their debut they manage to meld their ancestor worship with some genuine originality, and blast out some killer metal along the way.

“Dispossessed” is available here

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook